Team Clean Wave, a group of Ahmadu Bello University students, recently launched their “Project WASH” at Government Junior Secondary School Samaru, in Zaria Local Government, Kaduna State, to promote hygiene, waste management, and access to clean water.
Supported by LEAP Africa, the initiative addressed key environmental health issues in the community: waste management, personal hygiene, and access to clean water.
Led by Victoria Onaji, the team’s efforts began with menstrual hygiene training for female students, providing over 100 girls with reusable pads and instruction on their use. Supported by volunteers, teachers, and student prefects, over a hundred girls received reusable cotton pads, alongside training on how to use and maintain them.
“Good menstrual hygiene is essential for both health and confidence,” said Onaji. “This training aims to empower young girls to manage their health proactively.”
The deputy lead, Mubarak Mustapha, a 300-level Computer Science student guided students on waste disposal, coordinating a school cleanup and providing bins to encourage proper waste management.
Other team members, Mohammed Yusuf and Bello Dalhatu, further promoted environmental care and personal hygiene practices, with Dalhatu translating key messages into Hausa. Together, they stressed the importance of health-conscious actions, explaining how these simple practices could improve their quality of life and reduce illnesses in their community.
A major highlight of the project was the installation of a sustainable water purification system. Recognising the need for safe drinking water, the team installed an ultra-filtration water vending machine connected to the school’s borehole. This system ensures that students and community members can access clean, potable water, reducing the risks of waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and enteritis, especially among children.
The school principal, Mallam Aminu, expressed appreciation for the project, noting its positive impact on students’ health and wellbeing, while also voicing concerns over the ongoing refuse dumping by locals.
“Team Clean Wave’s work is truly appreciated,” he said. “We are grateful for the training, cleanup, and water purification system provided. These efforts will have a lasting impact on our students’ health and well-being.”
In collaboration with the School Board Management Committee, Team Clean Wave is working toward solutions to sustain sanitation, security, and waste management in Samaru. Their efforts have inspired long-term improvements in health and hygiene for the school and the surrounding community.
